A national police operation linked to international drug trafficking networks led to the seizure of quantities of illegal substances in Alicante, Elche, and Valencia, with an estimated street value near 600,000 euros. In the initial phase, police recovered 27,000 ecstasy tablets and about one kilogram of GHB, commonly known as liquid ecstasy, a substance noted for its depressant effects that can cause fainting or loss of consciousness.
The investigation, conducted by Group I Narcotics within the Northern Regional Police, began after officers arrested a man in the Carolinas neighborhood who was in possession of 500 ecstasy tablets. The stop prompted a broader inquiry into a distribution operation centered around a residence in Elche. Following surveillance and judicial authorization, detectives conducted a search of the property, resulting in the arrest of two additional suspects in Elche. Authorities seized roughly five kilograms of marijuana, about 1,500 ecstasy tablets, almost one kilogram of GHB, 305 grams of MDMA crystals, and other illegal substances including cocaine and speed found inside the house.
Law enforcement also recovered a substantial amount of weapons, including a 12/70 caliber shotgun with ammunition, a stun device, a large machete, and a knuckle-duster. The operation continued to unfold, extending to Valencia, where two more individuals were detained. During searches there, investigators seized 25,000 ecstasy tablets, one kilogram of hashish, and 3,420 euros in cash.
Encrypted messaging apps used by suspects were analyzed, revealing a wider involvement in a network that maintained connections with other European countries and even entities outside the European Union. The National Police confirmed that the drugs seized in Alicante, Elche, and Valencia could have reached a market value exceeding 560,000 euros.
All five detainees—four men and one woman, aged 20 to 27—include a majority of Spanish nationals with Czech origins identified among them. The operation is part of an ongoing effort by Narcotics Group I of the Northern District Police to dismantle several groups involved in recreational synthetic drug distribution. Local authorities in Alicante have observed a notable rise in demand for such drugs among youth, driven by their lower price relative to other substances and the associated health risks. (Attribution: National Police)
Authorities emphasize that the investigation remains active as officers continue tracing the network’s links and the flow of substances across multiple jurisdictions. The case illustrates the sustained focus on interrupting supply chains that span national and international borders, with coordinated action among regional and national units and cross-border cooperation to curb illicit drug distribution. (Attribution: National Police)